Can I Use My UK, US, Australian or European Glasses Prescription in Kathmandu, Nepal?

Which Foreign Prescriptions Can Be Reviewed?

Can I Send My Prescription Before Visiting?

Yes. For convenience, international visitors can send a clear photograph or digital copy of their prescription through WhatsApp before coming to the clinic. This is especially useful if you are staying in Thamel, Lazimpat, Boudha or another part of Kathmandu and want to confirm the available options first.

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What Information Should Be Visible?

A useful eyeglass prescription commonly includes the right and left eye values, sphere power, cylinder and axis when astigmatism is present, and ADD power when required for reading, bifocal or progressive lenses. Pupillary distance may also be required for accurate spectacle dispensing.

If some information is missing or unclear, Vision Concern may recommend additional measurements or an eye examination rather than guessing.

Can I Use a US Glasses Prescription in Nepal?

American prescriptions often use terms such as OD, OS, SPH, CYL, AXIS and ADD. Vision Concern can review a US glasses prescription in Nepal and determine whether the information supplied is sufficient for lens ordering and dispensing.

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Australian & European Glasses Prescriptions

Vision Concern can also review Australian glasses prescriptions, European eyeglass prescriptions and international spectacle prescriptions. Because formats and abbreviations can vary, sending a complete clear image of the original prescription is preferable.

If you are unsure what the prescription means, do not manually convert the numbers yourself. Send the original document for professional review.

Can You Copy My Prescription From My Old Glasses?

If you have lost the written prescription but still have your old spectacles, bring them with you. Existing lenses can provide useful information, but whether that is sufficient for new eyewear depends on your circumstances and the condition or age of the prescription.

If your vision has changed, or if the prescription information is uncertain, a fresh eye examination may be recommended.

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Can I Replace Only the Lenses and Keep My Existing Frame?

Often this can be considered, provided your existing frame is in suitable condition and compatible with the new lenses. The frame should be physically inspected before new lenses are ordered.

This is particularly useful for travellers who like their existing frame but need an updated prescription or replacement lenses.

Same-Day Glasses for International Visitors

If you need eyewear urgently, selected standard prescriptions may be available through Vision Concern's same-day glasses service, depending on lens type, prescription, coating and stock availability. Complex progressive, special high-index or customized lenses may take longer. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

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Premium Lens Options in Kathmandu

Depending on your prescription and visual needs, Vision Concern can advise on suitable lens options including single-vision, progressive, high-index, blue-light, photochromic and prescription-sunglass lenses. The international-prescription service also highlights premium ZEISS, HOYA and TOKAI lens solutions for overseas visitors. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Tell the team what you currently wear, what you use your glasses for, and whether you need them for office work, driving, trekking, reading or everyday use.

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Foreign Prescription for Progressive Glasses

If your overseas prescription contains an ADD value or you currently wear varifocal/progressive glasses, additional fitting measurements are important. Progressive spectacles should be fitted according to your selected frame, visual requirements and individual measurements.

Bring your current progressive glasses if possible so the optician can better understand what you are accustomed to wearing.

Foreign Prescription for Contact Lenses

An eyeglass prescription and a contact-lens prescription are not necessarily interchangeable. Contact lenses require appropriate fitting and parameters such as lens design, base curve, diameter and other factors depending on the product.

For contact-lens requirements, use Vision Concern's dedicated contact-lens service rather than assuming your spectacle prescription alone is sufficient.

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Eye Care for Tourists & Expats in Kathmandu

Vision Concern assists tourists, expats, international students, diplomats, business travellers and trekkers who require prescription verification, eye examinations, contact lenses or replacement eyewear while in Nepal. Its live foreign-prescription service specifically describes support for international visitors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my UK glasses prescription in Nepal?

A UK prescription can often be reviewed in Kathmandu. Send a clear copy to Vision Concern so the values and completeness can be checked before ordering.

Can I use my US eyeglass prescription in Kathmandu?

Yes, US prescription formats can be reviewed. Make sure OD, OS, sphere, cylinder, axis and ADD values where applicable are clearly visible.

Can I use an Australian prescription in Nepal?

Vision Concern can review Australian prescriptions and advise whether additional measurements or an eye examination are needed.

Can I use a European eyeglass prescription in Nepal?

European prescriptions can be reviewed, although terminology and notation may differ between countries.

Can I WhatsApp my foreign prescription before I arrive?

Yes. Send a clear photo to +9779841466716
Replies within minutes.

I don't know my pupillary distance. Can you measure it?

Required optical fitting measurements can be taken when appropriate during dispensing rather than guessed from incomplete information.

Can you make new lenses for my existing frame?

Possibly. The frame must first be checked for condition, dimensions and suitability.

Can you read the prescription from my old glasses?

Existing lenses may provide useful information, but a new eye examination can be recommended if your current prescription is uncertain or your vision has changed.

Can tourists buy progressive glasses in Kathmandu?

Yes. International visitors can discuss progressive-lens options, but appropriate measurements and fitting are essential.

Can I get same-day glasses using a foreign prescription?

Selected standard prescriptions may qualify for same-day service depending on the lens, prescription, frame and stock availability.

Do you provide glasses for travellers going trekking?

Vision Concern can advise on everyday prescription glasses, backup eyewear, contact lenses and prescription sunglasses depending on the traveller's needs.

Where can foreigners get prescription glasses in Kathmandu?

Vision Concern serves international visitors through its Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari branches.